Gregorian Chant's new lease of life in Brisbane

Gregorian Chant's new lease of life in Brisbane

Tony Vaughan, director of the Schola Cantorum of Brisbane, has been teaching people from all age groups and backgrounds Gregorian Chant (named after Pope St Gregory who lived in the seventh Century).

The continued use of the Chant was clearly requested by the
Second Vatican Council, which declared: "The musical tradition of
the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater
even than that of any other art. The main reason for this
pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms
a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy ... the Church
acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman
liturgy; therefore, other things being equal, it should be given
pride of place in liturgical services."

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy goes on to say it is
important to "take steps so that the faithful may also be able to
say or sing in Latin those parts of the Mass which pertain to
them." As recently as two years ago, the Pope made a special
request that the use of chant be promoted throughout the Universal
Church.

Promotion

Brisbane's Schola Cantorum has been promoting the use of
Gregorian Chant (many chants are from the ninth and tenth centuries
AD) in a number of parishes around Brisbane, as well as in concerts
and workshops. The Schola (consisting of about 20 singers, both men
and women) has sung at various churches, cathedrals, art centres,
the Abbey Medieval Fair, the Woodford Folk Festival and Brisbane's
Cathedral Week

During the last four years, Tony Vaughan has conducted over 20
chant workshops in the Brisbane and South East Region.

Tony Vaughan comments: "The interest in Chant over the last four
or five years has been amazing. Young people want to know more
about this incredibly beautiful and spiritual music, and where they
can experience and learn it. This interest is not just in Brisbane,
but happening around the world. Gregorian Chant is one of our most
precious links with the early Church.

"Many are surprised to learn that Gregorian Chant is the
official and authentic music of the Catholic Church. They have
never heard it in church!

"A number of young couples have requested to have the Chant at
their weddings. In spite of the neglect of chant over the last 30
years, people are 'voting with their feet' and seeking to hear the
chant via CDs, the Internet and at the very few parishes that
occasionally use chant.

"What has also been a surprise is that the Schola has attracted
singers from a range of religious backgrounds (Catholic, Anglican,
Greek Orthodox, Protestant and others, who simply love singing
chant). Singing chant has been an interfaith experience, resulting
in friendship and rapport developing between churches and people."